Q4OS is an open source distribution of Linux that provides users with a minimalistic computing environment comprised of a lightweight desktop environment and a handful of applications and utilities.

Distributed as 64-bit/32-bit ISO images

The system is distributed as two ISO images, one for each of the supported architectures (32-bit and 64-bit), that can be written to blank CD discs using any CD/DVD burning software, or deployed to USB flash drives using the UNetbootin application.

However, please note that these are not Live CDs, which means that you won’t be able to test the distribution before installing it. The boot prompt provides users with two installation options, as well as an advanced feature that allows OEMs to preinstall the OS on their computers.

Offers two installation methods

As mentioned, the boot medium comes with two installation methods. While the first one, called Classic Install is highlighted by default, we recommend to use the “NO questions, FULL automated” option, which will automatically partition the disk drive and install the operating system.

Installing Q4OS

The entire installation process should take between 5 and 10 minutes, depending on you your computer’s specs, as well as the media used, as USB sticks are much faster than CD discs. When the installation is complete, the installer will reboot the machine and start the Q4OS operating system.

At the login screen, you need to choose the predefined user, without a password. It will then ask if you want to set English as your default language, or choose a different one, as well as to set up a password for the adminq user.

Uses the Trinity Desktop Environment

The distribution uses Trinity DE (TDE), a clone of the old-school KDE3 desktop environment that was used a decade ago on various Linux distributions. It provides users with a familiar interface that looks exactly like the one of the Windows XP operating system.

Default applications

Default applications include the Konqueror web browser, Krusader twin-panel file manager, KWrite and Kate text editors, and a few other utilities. Support for Wi-Fi connection is also included in the distribution.

Bottom line

During our tests, Q4OS proved to be a fast, responsive and stable Linux-based operating system that runs well on low-end machines. It is the perfect Linux OS for Windows XP users!